The stylish Kia Optima wasn't always as good-looking as it is today. Look at pre-2011 versions, and you'll see a flair-hampered four-door that simply wasn't competitive. Since then, it's been one of the better family sedans available: interior room and gas mileage are excellent in base versions, and turbocharged models have very quick acceleration. We'd skip the Hybrid from 2011-2012; it's not as smooth or effective as other gas-electric sedans.